But, when you have a dog that responds to the commands of a 4 yr old family member, with the same obedience and respect paid to the adults of the family, you know he’s a good dog. Could Lizzy ever attempt to walk him? Most definitely, not yet! But he will respond to her basic commands. He’s had to endure wearing the princess crowns as expected by a 3 yr old, and being wrapped in baby blankets, but he’s also come to enjoy the benefit of a respect that extends far beyond fear of a bite. Being careful to the sensitivity of his nose, understanding that he’s not a horsey whose back you can hop on for entertainment, that care need be taken when playing around him so that he doesn’t get fallen on or stepped on and that he has his 'alone time', are some of the basics Lizzy has come to know as essentials in responsible pet ownership. Eager to take part in his care, the natural progression on her way to filling his dishes with food, water, letting him outside, bringing him in to place him on his leash to dry off on the mat, and brushing him on occasion, has been met by him too with acceptance and his ultimate approval it seems. Of course, he’s no fool! Giving credit to the intelligence of the breed, he’s also quickly learned that if she can feed him, she can probably also NOT!
It’s hard to say really, who is the luckier of the two. Any little girl would be fortunate to have a Murphy in her life, or is it that any Murphy would be fortunate to have such compassion and respect in his?
Next month sees National Be Kind to Animals Week of May 1-7th. In honor of all of our loyal 4 legged friends, past and present, this blog post is dedicated to those furry family members who give tirelessly and endlessly asking only in return, to be valued, respected, cared for...loved. Just as there are no time limits to practicing, there are no age limits to begin teaching our children kindness and respect for all living things.
Next month sees National Be Kind to Animals Week of May 1-7th. In honor of all of our loyal 4 legged friends, past and present, this blog post is dedicated to those furry family members who give tirelessly and endlessly asking only in return, to be valued, respected, cared for...loved. Just as there are no time limits to practicing, there are no age limits to begin teaching our children kindness and respect for all living things.
"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." -- Immanuel Kant
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What a wonderful post for a treasured member of your family! Love golden's ~ they are truly beautiful and wonderful pets.
ReplyDeleteGoldens are the best friend anyone could ever have. I have a 7 year old golden retriever, Jennie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! What a pleasure to read, from the mother of a border collie, Sargent Thachuk! C
ReplyDelete"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to my eyes, animals are so loving, intelligent and innocent, how anyone could ever harm them is, to me, unfathomable.
Monica (Older Mommy, Still Yummy)